"Who's been the best team in the western conference"- Channing Frye and Jamal Crawford get into it over potential Suns and LA Lakers matchup

The LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns could potentially match up in the playoffs this year. Phoenix is currently ranked 4th in the West. LA, on the other hand, is ranked 7th but has the opportunity to take the 5th seed. Two NBA veterans, Jamal Crawford and Channing Frye, both recognized the match-up possibility and gave their take on who could win the bout.

LeBron James' former teammate Channing Frye thinks that the LA Lakers can dethrone the Phoenix Suns. Frye pointed out that the Lakers are currently the best defensive team in the NBA since the trade deadline. Jamal Crawford, on the other hand, was baffled by Channing's opinion. Here's what the former NBA champion had to say:

"I think the Lakers are the favorite. Here's why. Defensively, who's been the best team in the Western Conference? Who's been the best team in the Western Conference since the trade deadline? It is a fact. Defensively, this team is far in the way better."

Jamal: "If Phoenix and the Lakers meet, you got the Lakers beating Phoenix?"

Channing: "I do."

@channingfrye thinks LA is the favorite in the West 👀 https://t.co/rkPQBBVXxH

Will the Phoenix Suns and LA Lakers meet in the first round of the playoffs?

There's no question that both the LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns have transformed into better teams since the trade deadline. LA managed to rise from the ashes, while Phoenix dodged potentially making their way out of the playoff picture. Fast forward to both their final four games of the season, and it appears that the Suns and Lakers could potentially face off in the first round of the postseason.

The Suns (43-35) are sitting comfortably in the 4th seed, possibly clinching their spot if they defeat the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. If the Lakers (40-38) win their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday and manage to beat the LA Clippers on Wednesday, the Purple and Gold will have the opportunity to secure the 5th seed in the West.

Having that in mind, it's highly possible that fans could witness a heavyweight bout between two goliaths in the first round. As for who could come out on top, it'll all come down to whether Phoenix can slice LA's defense and whether the Lakers can stop the Suns' offensive prowess.